Rifleman Q&A: A Hornet In Father’s Attic

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posted on April 22, 2025
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Savage .22 Hornet single-shot rifle
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Q. I was helping a friend clean out his attic when we found this Savage .22 Hornet single-shot rifle. Everything was tight, and we couldn’t move the scope adjustments or mounts. As a result, we couldn’t see the model number.

I tried looking online but couldn’t find anything about the time this gun or its scope were made. The rifle belonged to my friend’s father, and he doesn’t remember ever seeing it. We’re both in our late 70s. I’ve enclosed some photos of the rifle and scope, hoping the scope will help identify the rifle; I assume he probably bought them together. Any help would be appreciated.


A. Thank you for your inquiry regarding your friend’s .22 Hornet Savage single-shot rifle. Your rifle appears to be the Model 219 single-shot. This rifle was introduced with the Model 219B in 1938. The optic attached appears to be a Lyman Junior Targetspot scope.


"Questions & Answers" is compiled by staff, Field and Contributing Editors from the inquiries about guns, ammunition and their use received by American Rifleman. Direct answers to technical and historical questions are provided only to NRA members. Submit letters to: Dope Bag, NRA Publications, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030-9400 or to: [email protected]. Include your membership number or current copy of an NRA magazine mailing label or membership card and a self-addressed, stamped, business-size envelope. Please limit each letter to one specific question. Technical or historical questions cannot be answered by telephone, and even approximate values on guns or other equipment cannot be provided. Please allow 6 to 8 weeks for replies.

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